Featured Activities
Contributor Moana Barnard shares tips for how you can keep our planet clean and green at Rhythm & Alps.
Let’s start with the preparation. One of my favourite parts about a festival is the chance to wear quirky, colourful and summer-y outfits. Nothing says ‘partying in Wānaka’ like a bit of shimmer and groove! Second-hand shops are the perfect way to keep things circular; Wānaka Wastebusters is my absolute favourite place to shop in town; a one-stop-shop for all things funky and fun. Locally-owned and run, ‘Wasties’ is a treasure chest for the conscious festival-goer.
If you’re choosing to camp, keep in mind that buying quality equipment is a better option in the long run. It can be all too tempting to buy a cheap tent, but the reality of that is a broken tent after day one and a pile of plastic left over. I’ve invested in gear that I know will last, meaning I’m all set for R&A next year and any other festivals or camping missions in-between! There are plenty of awesome sports and outdoors stores in Wānaka that can help you find all your camping needs. After that, second-hand will be my fall-back for anything I’m missing.
Now we’re all ready and psyched, it’s time to get to R&A! Ride-sharing and public transport are the ideal sustainable solutions for getting around. If you’re wanting to drive, make sure you carpool with your mates and fill up those seats. Be sure to check out the transport page on R&A’s site for transport instructions. If you’re planning on having a big night and don’t want to fuss with driving, Wānaka’s very own Yello Cabs provide a return bus service directly from the town centre.
My absolute go-to, for every day, not just during a festival, is a reusable water bottle. Keep one on you at all times and refill throughout the event. Multiple water stations are dispersed throughout the festival.
Here’s everything discussed in a more condensed list that you can refer to before hitting the road!
